Published 7:00 pm, Thursday, February 21, 2008

They also plan to go door-to-door with an "immigrant safety plan" to "prepare for future enforcement actions" coming from a partnership between Danbury police and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

A goal is to teach illegal immigrants "how to be safe in this atmosphere," former Common Council member Lynn Taborsak said.

The move comes after the Danbury Common Council gave Police Chief Al Baker authorization earlier this month to enroll a few detectives in an ICE training program that would allow them to enforce immigration law.

Baker has been making the rounds to various immigrant groups to explain the partnership, but he apparently did not convince about 16 people at a press conference held Thursday at the Ecuadorian Civic Center.

The group outlined a 10-point plan to "combat" the program.

Franklin Pena, president of the Ecuadorian Civic Center, said an anti-immigrant sentiment has been building in Danbury, culminating with the ICE partnership.

He said if a white male American is driving down the street and is stopped by police, the officer will ask for a driver's license.

Pena, meanwhile, said he will be asked for a green card in addition to his driver's license.

Why?

"Because of the color of my skin and my funny accent," said Pena, who was born and raised in the United States.

The group vowed to patronize businesses that support immigrants, build bridges with civic and religious groups who value diversity, hold "know your rights" training for the immigrant community, and create a legal team to assist people who are detained.

The "immigrant safety plan," according to Taborsak, would include advice for illegal immigrants such as making sure there are no mechanical problems with their cars that could lead to them being pulled over by police.

The boycott of businesses by Common Council members who voted for the ICE program is needed, organizers said.

"If someone is doing something to you, you have to fight for your rights," Pena said. "Why should we support them when they are not supporting us?"

The group had an incomplete list of nine Common Council members and their business addresses. The list included Republicans and Democrats.

"It sounds to me like a bit of an over-reaction," said Michael McLachlan, assistant to Mayor Mark Boughton. "Anyone in our community who abides by the laws of our state and country don't have anything to worry about.

"If Mrs. Taborsak wants to boycott businesses owned by Common Council members, it is her prerogative."